All new musicians interested in participating in the Chamber Music Program, as well as returning musicians who do not have an established chamber group, must play a short audition for placement in an appropriate ensemble. Returning musicians who have an established chamber group MUST confirm their interest in participating in the Chamber Music Program by registering through the online form. All members of the established group must register.
- Chamber Music Program audition dates: Saturday, October 4
- Audition location: Fulton Recital Hall
A Message from Chamber Director Heather Wittels
This is a special year for the Chamber Music Program. In the winter and spring quarters we will welcome the Pro Arte String Quartet from Madison, Wisconsin to coach, teach, perform, and play side-by-side with chamber music program participants. Anyone who wants to work with these special guest artists must join the program in the fall quarter. For string players in particular, this is an exciting year to join!
A few notes about the auditions: groups continuing on from earlier this calendar year need not audition, but must register through the online form and email Heather to discuss repertoire. Continuing members who are in search of a new group should audition, unless by prior arrangement with Heather via email. If you're not sure whether you need to audition, email Heather. Any student who can't make it on the audition date should email Heather (hwittels@uchicago.edu) to set up an alternative.
I look forward to hearing your auditions on Oct 4!
Be sure to come on Thursday, Oct 9 at 4:30pm to Fulton Hall for the Tea Time Concert - Heather will perform works for strings and oboe with colleagues from the Chicago Symphony and Lyric Opera Orchestras - immediately followed at 5:15pm by pizza and a chamber music info session in Goodspeed Hall room 402.
Warmly,
Heather Wittels
Director of Chamber Music
Audition Requirements
- Chamber Music Program Auditions—for string players, pianists, and other instrumentalists—will last approximately 6 minutes each.
- Prepare approximately 3 to 4 minutes of music to play at the audition, preferably consisting of the beginning of a solo piece, or short excerpts of two pieces. Select repertoire that demonstrates your technical ability and your musical skills.
- This short audition will be used to place you in a chamber group with musicians of similar technical abilities and musical preferences, so it is to your advantage to be well prepared. Do not choose music that is too difficult for you, or that you have not prepared thoroughly.
- You will NOT be asked to sight-read at this year’s Chamber Music Program Audition.
- Memorization of the audition excerpts is not necessary.
Results & Placement
- Musicians will be contacted individually regarding their group placement, coaching sessions, and performance opportunities.
- A Chamber Music launch party will be held near the start of the academic year, at which procedures will be explained and musicians can meet their groups and coaches.
Tips for In-Person Auditions
- Arrive early in order to be on time for your appointment. Each director has a very large number of auditions to hear, and needs to keep on schedule.
- Warm up thoroughly before the audition. Practice rooms on the first floor of Goodspeed Hall (1010 E. 59th Street) will be available for this purpose during the entire audition period.
- Remember that the goal of these auditions is to involve you in our Department of Music Performance Program, and to foster your musical growth while you are at the University of Chicago. There is no reason to be nervous! Come to the audition well-prepared, confident, and ready to demonstrate your musical strengths to the directors who are listening.
We look forward to hearing your audition.